Shalom! Welcome to this Bible study — the Word of God, which brings life and peace.
It is good and essential to know God personally so that we can live in peace. This is affirmed in the book of Job:
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.”
(Job 22:21, NIV)
The meaning is clear: When we truly understand God’s will and His character, we are filled with peace — and through that peace, good things will begin to follow.
Understanding God’s Character Through Life Challenges
In our lives, we often face many trials, and most of them come through people. Sadly, some of these people knowingly cause us emotional or physical pain. In modern terms, we may refer to such people as our enemies.
Ask anyone today, “Do you have enemies?” Most will affirm — even if reluctantly — that they do. People define enemies in different ways:
-
Some are mocked, looked down upon, or harassed.
-
Others are despised, envied, or treated unfairly.
-
Many believers cry out to God, not always for spiritual growth or service, but to overcome their adversaries.
For example:
-
One might pray for a job promotion not just for provision, but to silence mockers.
-
Another might fast to gain a breakthrough to shame someone who disrespects them.
Sadly, very few people pray with a pure heart, saying, “Lord, bless me so that I can serve You more.”
But is this a new thing? No. This struggle with adversaries has existed even in the Bible.
Case Study 1: Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1)
Hannah and Peninnah were both wives of Elkanah. Peninnah had children, while Hannah had none. The Bible says:
“Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.”
(1 Samuel 1:6, NIV)
Peninnah deliberately taunted Hannah, making her life bitter — simply because she had children and Hannah didn’t.
Now, imagine you are a woman in such a situation: childless, constantly mocked and humiliated. Naturally, you would feel deeply hurt. To Hannah, Peninnah became an adversary. But what did Hannah do? She turned to God in tears. Eventually, God heard her prayer and gave her a son, Samuel.
Now consider Elkanah — their husband. Even though the two women were rivals, Elkanah loved them both. The birth of Samuel didn’t make him hate Peninnah or her children. He remained neutral.
This illustrates a powerful truth:
Just because someone is your enemy doesn’t mean they are God’s enemy.
Your anger and pain do not automatically become God’s anger.
Case Study 2: Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16, 21)
Sarah (Sarai) and Hagar were also two women who ended up sharing a husband, Abraham. Sarah had no child, so she gave her servant Hagar to Abraham, and Hagar bore a son, Ishmael.
But after becoming pregnant, Hagar began to despise Sarah (Gen. 16:4), and tensions rose. Sarah later bore Isaac, and eventually demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away (Gen. 21:10).
Yet Abraham loved both sons — Isaac and Ishmael. Even though their mothers were enemies, Abraham bore no hatred toward either child.
This shows again that human conflict doesn’t necessarily reflect God’s posture toward the people involved.
God blessed both sons, even though there was tension in the household.
A Lesson on Perspective
The person who makes you cry today, who stirs up pain in your life — they may not be hated by God. God deals with each person individually, in righteousness, not based on your personal emotions or vendettas.
God may separate you from your adversary for your peace — but that does not mean He harbors hate toward them. He is not driven by emotion or revenge as we sometimes are.
Don’t think God will strike someone down just because you are hurt. That’s like Sarah expecting Abraham to kill Ishmael for Isaac’s sake — which would never happen.
In the same way, do not fear the curses or prayers of someone who hates you. If you are right before God, their hatred has no power. They are only wasting their time — just like Hagar asking Abraham to harm Isaac would be futile.
Jesus’ Command: Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:43–46)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?”
(Matthew 5:43–46, NIV)
This is the ultimate standard: Don’t repay evil for evil.
Don’t waste your prayers calling for someone’s downfall. That does not please God.
A Final Word of Caution: Do Not Gloat (Proverbs 24:17–18)
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them.”
(Proverbs 24:17–18, NIV)
Even when your adversary suffers, keep your heart pure. Don’t celebrate their misfortune — it may offend God and remove His judgment.
Conclusion: Know God and Be at Peace
The ultimate lesson is: “Know God deeply, and you will have peace” (Job 22:21).
Let God be the judge between you and others.
Do not convert your personal hatred into spiritual warfare — that is not how God operates.
God will vindicate you in His own way — but He does not take sides in human grudges.
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord.
(Romans 12:19, ESV)
So pray for your enemies, bless those who curse you, and trust God’s justice.
May the Lord bless you and give you peace.
About the author